Thoughts on HF air compressor 90385

[jarhead]

Does anyone own HF air compressor 90385? It is currently on sale for $110 and I am thinking on pulling the trigger. Air delivery numbers seem to be decent (could be slightly exagerated) for a nailer, blowing off saw dust, and airing the tires.
I also had my eye on a Makita MAC2400 which can be had for $250 (with $50 discount if bumped up to $300).

[BobSch]

Does anyone own HF air compressor 90385? It is currently on sale for $110 and I am thinking on pulling the trigger. Air delivery numbers seem to be decent (could be slightly exagerated) for a nailer, blowing off saw dust, and airing the tires.
I also had my eye on a Makita MAC2400 which can be had for $250 (with $50 discount if bumped up to $300).

I've got that comressor. It's noisy as all direct-drives are but it's good for nailers, etc. Don't know anything about the Makita.

[movnup]

I placed a post on this same exact unit about a month ago that you might want to take a look at. This part number was on sale for $99 at the time but after feedback from other members I ended up buying a refurbed Porter Cable 6 gallon pancake with two guns for $154 delivered free through Amazon. One of the issues raised was noise but it is quieter than the Bostich 6 gallon regualr style tank I was using. The brad guns are really sweet and I have been using them on a number of new wood shop upgrades. I also have powered up a framing gun and it blasted three inchers without a sweat. It is also easier and lighter to carry so I feel I found (with a lot of advice from the forum) exactly what I needed for weekend warrior projects.

[cyberodie]

I used this compressor to build a large deck with a HF palm nailer and Dewalt finish nailer. Worked great.

[Lonnie in Orlando]

My 90385 died ... 3 times

I ordered the 90385 via internet. First one arrived damaged. Second stopped after about 30-min run time. Third also stopped. Replaced the start and run capacitors (sp) and a fan that was damaged. Did not fix the problem. HF returned my money.

I bought the 21-gal HF compressor at HF retail store and am pleased with it. The larger tank is much better that the 8-gal. But it's not as portable.

I don't recommend buying anything heavy from HF via internet. Too much trouble to box up and return. Buy big stuff at a retail store.

Lonnie

[AlanWS]

I have a different HF one: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42321

I got it because of the slower speed motor, which does seem to make it quieter, though it's not what I'd call quiet. It has plenty of air for nailing and blowing off dust.

If you go the HF route, I'd agree that it's desirable to get it from a store where you can look it over first, and you can more easily bring it back if there is a problem.

One other thing is that some of the HF compressors (including the 42321) have a single pressure regulator. You want two: one to set the pressure at the tank, and one to set the pressure at the line. If yours has only one, you can add a cheap regulator like this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90590 , but should consider that in any comparison.

[Greg.B]

Similar issues with HF online and air compressors. Had one come that was in very bad shape, broken parts, rusted, etc. I ended up getting a Porter Cable and never looked back. With somethings its worth spending the extra money up front to get something you can keep for ever.

[cyberodie]

I have a different HF one: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42321

I got it because of the slower speed motor, which does seem to make it quieter, though it's not what I'd call quiet. It has plenty of air for nailing and blowing off dust.

If you go the HF route, I'd agree that it's desirable to get it from a store where you can look it over first, and you can more easily bring it back if there is a problem.

One other thing is that some of the HF compressors (including the 42321) have a single pressure regulator. You want two: one to set the pressure at the tank, and one to set the pressure at the line. If yours has only one, you can add a cheap regulator like this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90590 , but should consider that in any comparison.

Why would you want to have a second pressure regulator?

Thanks.

[jarhead]

I wound up with a Makita compressor.

[ewingda]

I have that model. I bought it about 3 months ago at the Albany store when my Campbell Hausfeld died. I got it for $99. I also got the 2 year warranty for $20. They gave me 20% off the compressor to talk me into the warranty. So basically it was a free warranty.

I used it with my faming nailer to build my shed. Works great. I have also been using it in the shop for finishing nailers, etc. It is a bit noisy..but I expected that. It is quieter than the oilless models. Oh ya - it does not come with oil. You can get it a HD or Lowes - regular 2 stroke oil. I assume HF has it also.

Using 2 regulators is fine IF your pressure switch works for that. This model is set to run to a fixed shutoff of 120PSI and kick on at 75PSI (or near that).

Hope that helps.